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Democrats Claim Rick Scott Interfering in West-Murphy Contest

As a state inspection team is conducting a three-day audit of the results of the Congressional District 18 contest, the Florida Democratic Congressional Delegation claims Gov. Rick Scott is interfering in the disputed results.

Governor Rick Scotts attempt to undermine and pressure St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections Gertrude Walker -- just because he would prefer to keep Allen West in Congress -- is yet another blatant display of his willingness to disregard the rule of law for political gain, a release from the office of U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings, D-Miramar, stated.

It was Governor Scott who cut early voting hours, created long lines during early voting, and imposed unprecedented burdens on county election offices. Despite his repeated efforts to disenfranchise voters, the people of Floridas 18th District chose Patrick Murphy to represent them in Washington, and by a margin that does not necessitate a recount.

Governor Scotts efforts to interfere with a local official who has decades of experience and overturn an election conducted in full accordance with the law, are a gross misuse of power and an unwarranted intrusion into the electoral process that should cease immediately.

Democrat Patrick Murphy currently leads the contest with a 0.58 percent margin of difference over U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-Palm Beach Gardens.

An inspection team from the secretary of state's office is currently reviewing problems that occurred with election tabulating machines in St. Lucie County and other actions in the county supervisor of elections office.